The Cognitive Approach

Question 1

What are the main assumptions of the cognitive approach?

Answer 1

• Argues that internal mental processes can, and should be
  scientifically studied.
• These processes are private, and cannot be observed, so
  psychologists study them indirectly by making inferences about what is going on inside peoples mind based on their behaviour.

Question 2

What are schemas?

Answer 2

Are a ‘package’ of beliefs & expectations on a topic that come from prior experience. They act as a framework to help us interpret incoming information.

Question 3

Why are schemas useful?

Answer 3

• They are useful as they enable us to process vast amounts of information rapidly, and not be overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
• They allow us to respond appropriately to information and predict what will happen based on our prior experiences.

Question 4

Why are schemas not useful?

Answer 4

• They can lead to faulty conclusions & unhelpful behaviour (e.g. my schema for exams is that they are difficult and scary so I get a panic attack before the next exam)
• They can lead to biased recall/perceptual errors (we see what we expect)

Question 5

What are the two models used in the cognitive approach?

Answer 5

• Information Processing Model
• Computer Model

Question 6

Describe the Information Processing Model

Answer 6

• These tend to be pictorial to simplify the complex processes.
• This is often demonstrated with pictures and arrows to show the processing of information and sequence of stages. E.G. the MSM

Question 7

Describe the Computer Model

Answer 7

• These compare the human mind to that of a computer to help us understand it. For example: a computer model of memory would suggest that long term memory, would be stored on the hard drive